Obesity and Sleep

This thesis examines the relationship between obesity and sleep problems, and the consequences of sleep problems on morbidity and mortality. Through a series of different methodologies and datasets, this thesis has found strong, consistent evidence supporting the role of obesity in causing sleep problems, and the benefit of weight loss in improving sleep problems. This thesis has also found evidence towards substantial life expectancy loss associated with having sleep problems. The findings from this thesis help improve the diagnostic and treatment strategy for both obesity and sleep problems, and show that sleep problems are an important health outcome to consider.